Gear up, slow down for winter

W

e’re more than halfway through October and it’s winter tire driving time.

If you haven’t already, remind yourself to equip your vehicle with winter tires.

Dropping temperatures bring less-thanideal driving conditions. Roads get much more dangerous when coupled with lower visibility and the possible presence of snow and ice.

ICBC’s survey on winter driving found that almost four in 10 respondents felt less confident driving during the winter. Seven in 10 felt less safe and frustrated by other drivers on the road during the winter season.

Changing out summer tires will not only ease worries you may have about you and your loved ones driving on icy, snowy roads, but driving with winter tires is mandatory on many roadways in the province.

Winter tire and snow chain rules are effect on most of B.C.’s highways from October 1 to March 31, and not having the proper tires could cost you. Check the province’s online maps (winter tire and chain-up routes on to find out which highways enforce this rule, and be aware of roadside signs that indicate sec- tions of the highway that require winter tires.

Drivers failing to have the proper tires can be fined $109 and may be prevented from travelling any further due to road conditions and safety concerns.

Specifically, for drivers of passenger vehicles, cars must be equipped with either all season tires marked M+S or dedicated snow tires with a minimum tread depth of at least 3.5 millimetres.

Dedicated snow tires can be distinguished by its symbol – a snowflake within a three-peaked mountain. All-season tires are marked with M+S for ‘mud and snow.’ Summer tires equipped with chains are not appropriate substitution B.C.’s highways.

Which tire you opt for depends entirely on your lifestyle. If you live in an area that sees very little snow in the winter, all-season tires may be good enough for you.

But, if you live in an area that snows a lot or if you drive to the ski slopes, it would be wiser to go with snow tires. According to Transport Canada, all-season tires can lose elasticity and grip at temperatures of 7 C or lower.

Having the proper tires is only one aspect of winter driving. Bad weather conditions may cause hydroplaning and black ice – two on-the-road dangers that every driver should know how to handle.

Hydroplaning happens when tires float on a pool of water while on the road, causing tires to lose traction. It’s important to refrain from braking – instead, take your foot off the accelerator and keep steering smoothly in the direction you want to go.

Black ice is a thin transparent coating of ice that can be difficult to spot. Similar to dealing with hydroplaning, the best practice is to ease off the accelerator and keep good control of the vehicle. It’s important to never brake – braking locks the rear tires, which could cause a spin out.

Before your journey, I would also suggest planning ahead by checking the road and driving conditions on

For the full map of designated winter tire and chain-up routes, visit the Driving and Transportation menu on the Government of British Columbia’s website.

Proper planning and preparation can go a long way to a safe and relaxed trip. Safe driving.